Meeting of Joachim and Anna at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem

Joachim and Anna had been married for twenty years, but had no children. The spouses considered childlessness a sign that they were rejected by God. At the feast of dedication in the Jerusalem temple, the sacrifice of Joachim, who was considered damned, was rejected. Joachim went into the wilderness for forty days of fasting and repentance. Here the angel informs him that the sacrifice is accepted by God, and soon he will have a daughter. At this time in Nazareth, Anna offers prayers in tears. The angel informs Anna about her upcoming pregnancy and directs her to the city gates, where she will see her husband. Helidonius describes this moment as follows: "Delighted Anna threw herself into her husband's arms, together they rejoiced at the honor that should have been given to them in the form of a child, for they knew from the heavenly messenger that the child would be a great queen in heaven and on earth." ... Meeting at the Golden Gate is the most popular story from the history of Joachim and Anna in the visual arts of Northern Europe of the 15th century